Patna Residents Express Concern Over Extended LPG Cylinder Booking Period
Residents of Patna are growing increasingly worried as the Central government has increased the minimum waiting period for booking domestic LPG cylinders from 21 to 25 days. This measure aims to prevent hoarding amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, which has disrupted global fuel supplies. The move has led to significant delivery delays and heightened anxiety among consumers in the region.
Delivery Rates Plummet and Supply Shortages Emerge
Distributors in Patna report that the delivery rate has fallen by nearly 50% due to a growing backlog of consumers. Currently, the price of a 14kg LPG cylinder in Patna stands at Rs 1,011. Official data from February indicates that Bihar has over 2.34 crore active domestic LPG consumers. To ensure genuine deliveries, all customers are now required to provide an OTP at the time of receiving the cylinder.
A member of the LPG distributors’ association in Bihar stated, "There is currently no shortage in the state, and people need not worry. Certain rules have been put in place to prevent panic buying and hoarding." However, distributors are receiving cylinders in staggered supplies, exacerbating the situation.
Distributors Highlight Supply Chain Challenges
A distributor in Patna revealed, "Earlier, by the 10th of the month, I would receive at least 2,500 cylinders. But as of March 10, I have received only 1,400, leaving a shortfall of about 1,000 cylinders." Another distributor from Kankarbagh added, "According to the government mandate, booking of commercial cylinders has been stopped completely. They are being supplied only to hospitals and educational institutions." Sources suggest that NIT-Patna might declare summer vacation early if the situation persists.
Consumer Quotas and Anxiety on the Rise
Consumers are allowed to book up to 15 cylinders in a financial year. The Kankarbagh distributor noted that several families with large households have already exhausted this quota and cannot book another cylinder until April 1, leading to increased anxiety. Queues have been reported at gas agencies in areas such as Supaul, Kaimur, and Bhojpur, with many consumers unaware of the new 25-day booking gap and the need to update e-KYC details.
A consumer in Piro shared, "Earlier, I could place my booking with just a phone call. Now my gas agency manager says the refill can be booked only after a 25-day gap from the previous delivery. I was also asked to update my e-KYC details."
Government and Industry Response to the Crisis
The government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to manage supply. Oil marketing giant IOCL posted on X, "In light of current geopolitical disruptions affecting global fuel supply, steps have been taken to enhance LPG production and prioritise its availability for domestic consumers and essential non-domestic sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. Requests from other non-domestic sectors will be reviewed by a committee of executive directors from oil marketing companies and prioritised based on merit, necessity, and product availability."
This situation underscores the broader impact of international conflicts on local economies, with Patna residents facing tangible challenges in accessing essential cooking fuel.
